Let’s Talk Pinoy!

Whew! November came and went in just a few blinks. Maybe because I was on vacation enjoying the clear waters of Coron, Palawan in the Philippines, and the temples of Bangkok, Thailand. I am so thankful to be back because there’s no place like home. It’s not only on Thanksgiving Day that I am grateful with my loving and supportive family and friends, but I am thankful for them everyday along with all the blessings that He has given and continues to give me.

With turkey day in the books, we look forward to my favorite month of the year, December. A month where you get to see family that you haven’t seen in a long time, and find presents under the Christmas tree. Maybe play Santa Claus to the kids, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Last month, Michael was being pressured by his grandmother. Can he find Angel in time for the party? Let’s see…

Michael: “Haan, please don’t. I am not a kid. I can do it myself. I will visit her Lola later.”

Nana: “Who is her Lola?”

Michael drops his kamay like a child. “Tigil. (Stop.)”

Nana hugs and kisses him.

Michael says, “umuna-ak pay Nana.” (I’m going Grandma.)

After breakfast, Michael leaves to have a business lunch with his assistant at Koho’s.

Michael’s assistant is an intern at the firm but a bright kid freshly graduated from the University of Hawai‘i Maui College. His name is Tyler. “Tomorrow, you have an appointment with the Kauha‘aha‘a’s pertaining to their pinsan (cousin)’s visa at noon. Monday, you have appointments all day up until 4 p.m. On Tuesday… ”

“Tuesday, I have a birthday dinner to attend to at Binhi At Ani. Don’t book anything in the afternoon. In fact I need to look for someone. Her name is Angel but I don’t have her last name yet. I need a background check done before Tuesday,” Michael looks at Tyler for affirmation.

“Ok, I can move the Dela Cruz’s appointment to Tuesday morning,” says Tyler.

“If you can text me her last name and address today, I can get started on it.”

Michael gets in his car and drives to the other end of Kahului where he brought the two women last night for the lualo (prayer), hoping to see Angel.

He pulls onto Hina Avenue. “Everything looks different in the daytime. I hope I can find the house. I think it is near Kahului Elementary School.”

Michael drives up and down the kalye (street) of West Kaua‘i, trying to tap into his memory bank.

He was so nervous driving them since Angel sat up front next to him. He wasn’t really paying attention to the kalye (street) names. He can still picture her smiling, sitting with her legs crossed. Her brown hair perfectly parted to the side. She was wearing a simple outfit. A white top with a light blue blouse and denim blue jeans. Nothing special but she wore it really nicely. “I need to see her.” he whispers. Her laugh is addicting, and she does this thing with her nose where she crumples it and does this pouty thing with her mouth that… “Oh no, watch it! I almost hit that car! I think I missed my turn. Darn it. Concentrate Mikey”

“Ah yah, I think I have it. It has to be this balay (house). I parked right here.”

Michael knocks on the door.

“I’m coming,” a voice shouts in the back.

His heart is pumping. “OMG, what if it’s her?” He looks into the glass to fix his buhok (hair) and collar.

The door opens.

“Ah. Hahaha. Palito!”

It’s Rosie.

“OMG you are even uglier in the buntag (morning). Come back later when it’s dark.” She closes the door.

Michael stutters not knowing what to say.

Rosie opens the door laughing “I’m kidding. Joke lang. What are you doing? Are you lost? Indi (No)…. I don’t want to buy any cookies or vacuums!”

“I was wondering if your sister Angel is here.”

Rosie looks around. Closes the door. “She’s not really my sister,” and smiles.

“I call all my good friends ‘sister.’”

“I met her a few months ago at Kahului Long’s, and we hit it off so well. And now… twins!”

“Oh no, you don’t look anything like Angel. Haan (No) to a twinsies,” Michael thought to himself.

Michael clears his throat. “Really? Ok, do you know where she lives?”

Rosie shrugs. “I don’t really know, she won’t tell me. I meet her every day at the bus stop at Ross at 5 p.m. She comes over to my house and we talk. My family loves her. My dad and I drop her off at Pā‘ia Post Office when she’s ready to go home. I will see Angel later today. If you want to see her,” Rosie winks, “you can come.”

Michael gasps and swallows.

Rosie tilts her head and raises her eyebrow.

“Angel, Angel, Angel.” Rosie says and stares.

Michael’s eyes widen.

“OMG, Palito. I only say her name and you become like a ghost. Stop that. It’s really weird. Get a grip, she’s not that much prettier than me anyways,” tossing her buok (hair) in the air and rolling her eyes.

“Take me to Walmart first and then we can go to Ross. We can surprise her and we can go cruising in your nice car. Woo hoo! Wait for me.”
Rosie rushes inside the house and grabs a bag. Heads to the car, raises her hand. “I call shotgun!”

“Uh, hold on, wait… ” Michael stumbles after her.

On Maui, we have the bus. It is used by many locals to get around the island. When is the last time you rode the bus? Go ahead, make plans this weekend and travel to Lahaina, Kīhei, or go to Kahului like Rosie and Angel. Support our public transportation service on Maui! Tell us your favorite bus stop story at www.facebook.com/letstalkpinoy.

This month’s homework is to say “Merry Christmas” everyday to someone new. Look in the table how to say it in different Filipino languages. Teach them and have them say it back to you. ‘Tis the season of giving, and you can give the gift of language!

Anyways that’s all I have. Keep an eye out for my article every issue. I’m Dulce, helping you to master your Filipino Languages. Like always, let’s laugh, let’s listen, and Let’s Talk Pinoy! Hanggang sa muli! (Until next time!) Ingat! (Take care!).

[ Dulce ]

Dulce Karen Butay was graduated from Maui High School and earned her Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts from Maui Community College and her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting, from the University of Hawaii – West Oahu. She is currently the Administrative Officer at the County of Maui, Department of Finance.  Butay is a licensed Resident Producer of Life Insurance with World Financial Group and an Independent Consultant of Saladmaster. She recently became part of the Travel Club of Saladmaster and won an all-expenses paid trip to Cancun, Mexico with the love of her life. Butay recently returned from a trip to Texas as one of the delegates from Island Healthy Solutions, a dealer of Saladmaster here in Maui.